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Can Labs Eat It? Food Safety

Can Labs Eat Apples?

By · Updated · 4 sources

Yes, sliced and cored

Apple flesh is safe for dogs in moderation. Remove the core, seeds and stem: the seeds, stems and leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides, and a core can be a choking hazard. A cup of slices has about 57 calories.

Chocolate Labrador sitting and looking up at the camera
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On this page (8)
  1. Quick answers
  2. Why apples work as a treat
  3. The parts to remove
  4. How much apple for a Lab?
  5. How to serve apples
  6. More safe and unsafe foods
  7. FAQ
  8. Sources

Quick answers

Can Labs eat apples?

Yes, sliced and cored. Apple flesh is a safe, crunchy treat for dogs in moderation. Remove the core, seeds and stem first: seeds, stems and leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides, and a whole core can be a choking hazard. A cup of apple slices has about 57 calories. Answer page →

Crunchy, cheap and low in calories, apples are one of the best fruits to share with a Lab, as long as you serve the slices, not the core.

Why apples work as a treat

The AKC notes that apples provide vitamins A and C, potassium, antioxidants and fiber, mostly in the peel. USDA data put a cup of apple slices at about 57 calories and a whole medium apple at about 95.

The parts to remove

  • Seeds, stems and leaves. The ASPCA lists apple as toxic to dogs because its stems, leaves and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides (cyanide). The flesh is fine.
  • The core. It’s tough and can be a choking hazard (AKC).

A Lab who snatches one core from the counter is unlikely to be poisoned, but keep an eye out for choking, vomiting or signs of a blockage, and call your vet if something seems off.

How much apple for a Lab?

The AKC says an apple slice or two is enough to satisfy a craving, and too much can cause a bellyache or diarrhea. In calorie terms, a 70 lb neutered adult Lab needs about 1,500 kcal a day by the Merck formula, so the usual 10% treat budget is about 150 kcal. A few slices fit easily. Check your own dog with the calorie calculator.

How to serve apples

  1. Wash the apple well.
  2. Core it and remove every seed and the stem.
  3. Cut it into slices or small cubes. Peeling makes it easier to digest.
  4. For a crunchy chew, the AKC suggests baking thin, cored slices at a low temperature until crisp.

Skip apple pie and other desserts. The added sugar and crust don’t suit dogs, and nutmeg can cause problems (AKC, citing Pet Poison Helpline).

More safe and unsafe foods

Other fruit that’s fine in moderation: bananas, strawberries, blueberries. Never share grapes or raisins. Browse the full Can Labs eat it? guide, or see how much to feed a Lab overall.

Frequently asked questions

Are apple seeds poisonous to dogs?

Apple seeds, stems and leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides, which release cyanide (ASPCA). The AKC says the amount in seeds is small and harmful in large doses, but there's no reason to risk it: core the apple and remove the seeds.

My Lab ate a whole apple core. What should I do?

Watch for choking, vomiting, belly pain or trouble passing stool, which can mean a blockage, and call your vet if you see any of them or if your dog ate several cores. For any poisoning worry, the ASPCA Poison Control line is (888) 426-4435.

Can dogs eat applesauce?

Plain, unsweetened applesauce is fine in small amounts, according to the AKC. Avoid sweetened versions, and check the label for xylitol in any sugar-free product.

Sources

  1. American Kennel Club: Can dogs eat apples?
  2. ASPCA Animal Poison Control: Apple (toxic and non-toxic plants)
  3. USDA FoodData Central: Apples, raw, with skin (SR Legacy 171688)
  4. Merck Veterinary Manual: Nutritional requirements of small animals (RER/MER)
  • Can Labs Eat Strawberries?
    Yes, in moderation. Strawberries are a low-calorie treat for Labs. How many to give, how to prepare them, and the few things to avoid.
  • Can Labs Eat Grapes or Raisins?
    No. Grapes, raisins and currants can cause kidney failure in dogs, with no known safe amount. Symptoms, what to do and who to call if your Lab ate one.
  • Can Labs Eat Chocolate?
    No. Chocolate's theobromine and caffeine can poison dogs. See how much is dangerous for a Lab by chocolate type, symptoms, and what to do right now.
  • Can Labs Eat Watermelon?
    Yes. Seedless watermelon flesh is a hydrating, low-calorie treat for Labs. Why to skip the seeds and rind, how much to give, and serving ideas.
  • Can Labs Eat Peanut Butter?
    Yes, if it has no xylitol. Peanut butter is safe for most dogs in small amounts, but it's calorie-dense. How to check labels and how much to give a Lab.

Browse all 9 guides in Can Labs Eat It? Food Safety

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